Myometrial activity after local application of prostaglandin E2 for cervical ripening and term labor induction

Article Abstract:

Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that act on smooth muscles of the uterus. Prostaglandins can be used at the end of pregnancy to soften the cervix of women requiring the induction of labor. However, unwanted muscle contractions and overstimulation can occur. To help minimize side effects, various techniques in the application of a prostaglandin gel were investigated. There were 12 pregnant women with unfavorable cervices before the induction of labor. The women were divided into three groups of four women each. The prostaglandin gel was applied strictly within the cervical canal, beyond the cervical canal (extra-amniotic) or to the back wall of the vagina. There was more uterine activity after the gel was applied vaginally and extra-amniotically. Softening of the cervix was achieved in six hours following all three application techniques. All infants were delivered within 24 hours of the induction. The condition of the fetus was not affected by the application of the gel. The application of prostaglandin gel only to the cervical canal minimized side effects of cervical ripening before the induction of labor. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Cervix uteri, Uterus, Uterine contractions, Incompetent cervix

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Randomized, double-blind trial of prostaglandin E2 intravaginal gel versus low-dose oxytocin for cervical ripening before induction of labor

Article Abstract:

A prostaglandin gel applied to the vagina may be more effective than intravenous oxytocin in ripening the cervix before labor induction. Researchers compared the effectiveness of two doses of intravaginal prostaglandin E2 gel applied four hours apart to 10 hours of oxytocin infusion in 200 women with unripe cervices before labor induction. Use of the prostaglandin E2 gel was linked to more successful labor inductions and less time to active labor than with oxytocin. Cesarean delivery rates were similar for both treatments. The gel and oxytocin were found to be safe for mothers and infants.

Evaluation, Oxytocin

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Bone loss in elderly women prevented by ultralow doses of parenteral 17-beta-estradiol

Article Abstract:

Low level estradiol treatment appears to have a positive effect on bone density in older women. Bone density measurements and blood levels of bone metabolism markers were compared in 30 women older than 60 years of age treated vaginally with either estradiol or placebo. After six months of treatment, bone density improved by 2.1% in women using estradiol and decreased by 2.7% in women using placebo. Markers of bone turnover including bone-specific alkaline phosphatases and osteocalcin decreased by 14% and 9%, respectively, in women using estradiol but did not change in those using placebo.

Bones, Prevention, Physiological aspects, Bone density, Osteoporosis, Aged women, Elderly women, Estradiol

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